Plastic brassiere



Feb. 25; 1958 I. F; HILL 2,824,563

PLASTIC BRASSIERE Filed Nov. 17, 1955 INVENTOR.

BY [var Zf/i/Z United States Patent PLASTIC BRASSIERE Iver F. Hill, Stratford, Conn.

Application November 17, 1955, Serial No. 547,445

7 Claims. Cl. 128-463) This invention relates to brassieres, and more particularly to brassieres that are constituted of plastic or other moldable material.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved brassiere formed of plastic or other moldable material, which effectively and unobtrusively holds and supports the breasts and adjacent portions of the bust in their natural positions at all times.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved brassiere of plastic construction as above characterized, which is soft and pliable, and has a texture and touch much like that of the human skin.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved plastic brassiere in accordance with the above, which is comfortable to wear and tends to carry off and dissipate perspiration.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a brassiere as above set forth, which tends to hold and retain its form when in use and is durable and serviceable even though subjected to adverse conditions, as for example when worn under a bathing suit during bathing or swimming.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved plastic brassiere of the above type, which is further characterized by raised, flexible formations adapted to have a reinforcing action in the band portion of the brassiere, thereby tending to more securely retain said portion in place.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved plastic brassiere and novel lining means therefor, by which the desired configurations may be readily fabricated without difficulty.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved plastic brassiere wherein those portions which have the deepest configuration, namely the cup structures, are fabricated separately from the band portion and attached thereto by a secure joint, involving a heat-welding operation.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved plastic brassiere of the above type, which is simple in construction and economical to fabri cate.

Other featuresand advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings accompanying this specification, similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts wherever possible in the several views, in which:

Figure l is a front elevational view of the improved brassiere as provided by this invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a marginal portion of the brassiere, taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is afragmentary sectional view taken'on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view through a portion of a brassiere made of separate pieces and illustrating a modi fication of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, the brassiere of the present invention comprises a flexible and pliable, formed structure of molded plastic or other suitable moldable material, having a pair of cup portions 10 shaped to simulate the normal human breast configuration and adapted to receive and support the breasts of the wearer. The plastic material of which the molded structure is constituted preferably is characterized by softness, yieldability and a skin-like texture. I have found that polyethylene plastic serves admirably for this purpose, since it is soft to the touch, non-hardening, yieldable and easily flexed, and since it may be tinted or colored to look and feel like the human skin. The polyethylene plastic is preferably formulated to enable it to be readily molded, and to bring forth to a maximum degree the said qualities as above outlined.

In conjunction with the cup structures 10 I provide a foundation or band portion of the brassiere, generally designated by the numeral 11, said band portion connecting with and supporting the cups in normal, spaced, related positions. The band portion 11 extends downward from and below the cups 1i) and is substantially expansive, having a central area 12 adapted to overlie the sternum and engage the chest of the wearer between and below the breasts.

By the present invention the band portion 11 constitutes a supporting structure for the brassiere cups, and completely supports the cups Without the aid of wires or stays, thus relieving the pressure which these normally create.

The band portion 11 has, in accordance with the invention, reinforcing means which may be in the form of substantially triangular-shaped areas 13 at its sides, defined by margins or bias edges 14 which extend from its lower margin or edge 15 to points indicated at 16 which are alongside and adjacent the remote peripheral portions 17 of the cups 10.

The upper portions of the areas 13 terminate in sloping edges 18, and preferably such edges are continuations of the upper edges or margins 19 of the cups 10. The central area 12 of the band portion 11 has an upper margin or edge 26 which also joins with and constitutes a continuation of the margins 19 of the cups 10.

The foundation or band portion 11 is so formed, including the lower marginal portions 15 thereof and the side bias edges 14, that it creates below the cups 10 a pyramidal shape providing an effective support for the cups 10 and a firm foundation or support to the wearer, said band portion being adapted to follow in general the frontal rib structure and breast bone or sternum of the human body.

The central area 12 of the band portion 11 overlies the sternum, and the upper marginal portions of the areas 13 are so located as to engage and support muscle groups at the arm pits. Thus the structure provides a most effective and advantageous support for the bust of the wearer.

I have found that a satisfactory configuration is obtained by which the above result may be accomplished, if the side bias edges 14 make an angle of approximately degrees with the horizontal, and the lower edges 15 make an angle of approximately 27 degrees with the horizontal, as indicate-d in Fig. 1. However, I do not wish to be limited to these exact angular dimensions since moderate deviations therefrom may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 have further found that by suitable molding of polyethylene or like plastic, the entire formed brassiere structure shown in Fig. 1 may, if desired, be constituted of a single integral piece of plastic material, with the cups 10 being an integral part of the foundation or band portion 11. The forming process may use various forms of plastic molding techniques. By such molding procedure the brassiere structure may bequickly and economically fabricated, without requiring assembly operations between separate plastic components, although I do not wish to exclude from the scope of this invention the formation of the brassiere of separate plastic pieces heat-welded, cemented or otherwise fastened together to form the novel structure shown in Fig. l.

The lower margin of the band portion 11 may be advantageously formed of two substantially straight edge sections meeting at the center area 12 and sloping there from downward and outward to lower corners, as shown.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the marginal or peripheral portions of the entire brassiere structure are formed and strengthened by heat-welding all of the edges of the plastic material, thereby to provide an increased thickness together with a rounded crosssection.

In accordance with this invention provide a lining 22 of absorbent material in the form of woven cotton mesh or the equivalent, on the inner or back side of the band portion 11 and cups 10. The lining 22 may be preformed in any desired manner prior to being adhered to the plastic brassiere structure, and preferably has a shape and contour closely fitting the plastic structure to which it is to be attached. The absorbent lining 22 may be adhered to the plastic brassiere structure by any suitable process, using either laminating chemicals or heat, or both. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5 the marginal portions of the lining 22 may overlie certain of the strengthened edge portions of the plastic brassiere structure, thereby to prevent actual contact between the plastic material and the flesh of the wearer. Along the bias edges 14, as shown in Fig. 4, I prefer to fold the edges of the lining 22 between marginal portions of the plastic, to provide an interlocking construction.

I have found that by the provision of the strengthened edge portions on the plastic brassiere structure a desirable firmness is imparted thereto which helps to maintain its shape and tends to support and hold the breasts in an advantageous manner. Also, by the provision of the substantially triangular-shaped areas 13 and biased side edges 14 a firm yet gentle support is given the bust of the wearer, including muscles adjacent the arm pit, thus tending to hold the breasts in their normal and natural positions.

In accordance with the present invention I further provide a reinforcement of the band portion 11 of the brassiere structure, by the provision of upward and diagonally extending formed flutes 23 and 24, which are molded into the band portion at the time of molding of the brassiere structure. Each flute 23 extends diagonally upward and inward from a lower corner 25 of the foundation or band portion 11 and terminates substantially centrally at the lower marginal portion 26 of a cup 10. Each flute 24 extends diagonally upward from the central part of the lower edge of the area 12 of the band portion, and terminates at the same marginal portion 26 of the cup 10, meeting the flute 23 thereat. Both said flutes thereby provide a firm support for the cup. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 5, the absorbent lining 22 spans the flutes 23 and 24, thereby to lock the flutes and prevent spreading thereof.

Also, a vertically extending flute 24a is provided, at its upper extremity joining with a horizontal flute 24b which latter extends to the inner marginal portions of the cups 10.

By the provision of the flutes 23 and 24 an advantageous reinforcement of the band portion 11 is provided, minimizing the likelihood of the latter wrinkling during the normal wear and thereby preventing chafing and pinching of the skin of the wearer. Additional flutes 27 are also provided in the plastic structure, extending along the lower marginal portions of the cups 10 to further reinforce the plastic structure and flutes 27a are provided, extending along and spaced downward from the upper marginal portions of the cups 1,0. As shown, the flutes 27a join with the ends of the flute 24b.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, l may provide a plurality, here shown as three in number, of flutes 30, 31 and 32 in the lower portion of each cup 10. The flutes 30, 31 and 32 may be of convex configuration, and the central flute 31 may extend substantially straight upward from the lower marginal portion of the cup 10. The left flute 30 may be spaced as shown from the central flute and curved to the left, and the right flute 32 may be similarly spaced from the central flute and curved to the right. By the provision of the three flutes 30, 31 and 32 the lower part of the cup 10 is appreciably strengthened and the cup is maintained in a more natural form.

For the purpose of dissipating perspiration and providing a breathing effect the molded plastic brassiere structure may be provided with numerous small perforations, as shown, by which evaporation may occur at the front surface of the structure. The perforations may be advantageously on the order of 1 in diameter and may occur as many as 30 per square inch of area. The lower portions of the cups 10, in areas defined by the broken lines 33, may be provided with such perforations.

Also, I provide a plurality of relatively small and flat reinforcement cups 3 in the foundation or band portion 11 of the structure, in the areas defined by broken lines and indicated at 34, 35 and 36. The cups S may, for example, be approximately /25" in diameter and its high, and may be spaced apart approximately /11" Preferably alternate cups are ventilated by the provision of perforations in their top portions, as shown. The cups S constitute an important feature of the invention since they provide for added support or strengthening of the brassiere structure due to the embossing effect, and also due to the fact that they make the band portion 11 tend to resist wrinkling and thus provide a better support for the wearer even when the lining 22 is moist.

Referring to Fig. 6, the brassiere of this invention may be advantageously made of separate molded plastic pieces. For instance, the cups of the brassiere may be molded separately and secured to the body or band portion by an interlocking seam, indicated at 40, said seam being secured by a heat-welding operation. As shown, the cup portion 10a may have a lower edge 10b interlocked with an upper folded edge 11b of the band portion 110. The lining 22a of the cup portion 10a at its lower edge may be disposed under the upper edge of the lining 22b of the band portion 11a. 1 have found that a plastic brassiere made with the cup portion molded separately and thereafter heat welded to the band portion, can be fabricated very economically and is comparable in price to a brassiere made of a single molded piece of plastic.

By virtue of the above novel structure 1 have provided a simple, economical-to-manufacture and advantageous brassiere and bust support which will retain its shape throughout an extended period of use, is easily cleaned, and tends to dissipate perspiration. The brassiere may, if desired, be worn without detriment under a swimming suit for bathing or swimming purposes. It is furthermore at all times comfortable to wear and not particularly noticeable when worn under a garment. The specific contour and shape shown provide the maximum degree of support for the breasts without discomfort to the wearer, or chafing or marking of the skin.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements maybe used without others.

I claim:

1. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material and a fabric lining therefor, said material being characterized by softness and yieldability but being stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups the walls of which are formed to constitute relatively flat, elongate, tubular and hollow enclosure portions constituting reinforcing means in their under sides to relatively increase the stiffness of the cups, said cups being shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion having a reinforcing means to relatively increase its stiffness.

2. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material and a fabric lining therefor, said material being characterized by softness and yieldability but being stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups the walls of which are formed to constitute relatively flat, elongate, tubular and hollow enclosure portions constituting reinforcing means in their under sides to relatively increase the stiffness of the cups, said cups being shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion extending below the cups and having biased side edges extending from the lower edge of the band portion to points alongside and adjacent remote peripheral portions of the cups, said band portion having its walls formed with a plurality of relatively flat, elongate, tubular and hollow reinforcing enclosure portions meeting at angles to each other to relatively increase its stiffness.

3. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material and a fabric lining therefor, said material being characterized by softness and yieldability but being stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion extending below the cups and having biased side edges extending from the lower edge of the band portion to points alongside and adjacent remote peripheral portions of the cups, thereby to effect a support of the flesh of the wearer, said band portion having a lower edge spaced from the cups, and having its walls formed with relatively flat, elongate, tubular and hollow, enclosure portions extending from said lower edge to said cups for supporting the latter.

4. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material characterized by softness and yieldability but stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion extending below the cups, having a lower edge spaced from the cups, and having flutes extending from said lower edge to said cups for supporting the latter; a lining of absorbent cotton mesh secured to the inner sides of the cups and band portion and adapted to contact the skin of the wearer, said lining spanning the flutes and preventing the same from spreading, said cups having substantially tip-right flutes in their lower portions, provided for reinforcement thereof, and said lining spanning the flutes of the cups and preventing the same from spreading.

5. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material characterized by softness and yieldability but stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected With and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion extending below the cups; and a lining of absorbent material secured to the inner side of the cups and band portion, and adapted to be in contact with the skin of the wearer, said structure having a plurality of flutes for reinforcing it and said lining spanning the flutes and preventing the same from spreading.

6. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material and a fabric lining therefor, said material being characterized by softness and yieldability but being stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion being disposed below the cups and having its walls formed to constitute elongate, tubular and hollow, relatively flat reinforcing enclosure portions to increase its stiffness, extending to the cups, for supporting the said cups.

7. A brassiere having a flexible, formed structure of plastic material and a fabric lining therefor, said material being characterized by softness and yieldability but being stiffer than untreated cloth of the same thickness, said structure comprising a pair of cups shaped to simulate and adapted to receive and support the breasts of a wearer, and further comprising a band portion connected with and supporting said cups in spaced, normal, related positions, said band portion being disposed below the cups, and said cups having their walls formed to constitute elongate, tubular and hollow, relatively flat reinforcing enclosure portions to increase their stiffness and eflect a. more firm support of the flesh of the wearer.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,994,941 Caldor Mar. 19, 1935 2,061,238 Klein Nov. 17, 1936 2,267,365 Blum Dec. 23, 1941 2,289,679 Porter July 14, 1942 2,579,365 Conde Dec. 18, 1951 2,611,898 Laird Sept. 30, 1952 2,659,085 Ericson Nov. 17, 1953 2,707,281 Barth May 3, 1955 

